FILE - In this Sept. 26, 2012 file photo, Nebraska athletic director Tom Osborne announces his retirement as of Jan. 1, 2013, during a news conference in Lincoln, Neb. Osborne's retirement ends an association with the university that began in 1962. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik, File)

The former coach and politician will retire as Nebraska's athletic director Jan. 1 and soon end an association with the university that began in 1962. He turns 76 in February and will stay at the school through July 31 as athletic director emeritus to ease the transition of new athletic director Shawn Eichorst. Perhaps as much as anything, Osborne's 25-year Hall of Fame coaching career and five-year run as a can-do AD are characterized by his strong and steady leadership, often in difficult circumstances. Chancellor Harvey Perlman asked Osborne to return in 2007 to stabilize an athletic department whose flagship sport was in a free fall under then-coach Bill Callahan.

What position the man nicknamed Shoelace will play in his final college football game is a secret and perhaps provides a preview of his unclear future in football. Robinson, a three-year starting quarterback, might not throw for No. 19 Michigan against No. 11 South Carolina on New Year's Day at the Outback Bowl. He probably will catch some passes, lining up as a running back or receiver. Robinson hopes showing that he can make plays without taking snaps will help NFL teams see what he can do. "If you're making plays on the field, you can't hide that," Robinson said. Some project Robinson as a receiver in the pros.